Cell Phones, Text Messaging and other Potential distractions that can cause you to get rear ended
Quite a few studies have shown that sending texts or using a cellphone at the same time as you are driving a car could be even more dangerous than driving drunk, especially in terms of getting rear ended. In fact, quite a few vehicle wrecks happen, and thousands of people are injured or killed each year, due to the fact drivers divert their awareness from the highway to operate a mobile device.
Although some states have passed laws either prohibiting or limiting such conduct, others have yet to take action. In answer to this threat, the U.S. Department of Transportation enacted DOT 14-10 on January 26, 2010, which forbids truck and bus drivers from sending text messages while driving. This federal measure is effective right away and is applicable to drivers of interstate buses and commercial transport with a weight of more than 10,000 pounds. Violators could be subject to civil and/or criminal fees and penalties of up to $2,750.
What to do if rear ended? For more information about initiatives by the U.S. DOT to fight driving distractions, visit www.distraction.gov. Even where particular laws and regulations banning this practice haven’t yet been put into law, individuals could nevertheless be held responsible if they negligently cause accidents when they’re text messaging, speaking on mobile devices or are otherwise distracted. As technology progresses and vehicles become loaded with interactive capabilities like GPS, navigation and satellite radio, the chance of getting rear ended and severe injuries will undoubtedly increase.
If you have been injured in a car crash caused by a motorist who was sending text messages, chatting on a cellular phone or otherwise preoccupied, you should speak to an accident law firm for a free preliminary consultation. Choose a law firm with numerous years of experience handling automobile accident cases and will fight hard to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
Comments on this entry are closed.